No-Prep Math Games For Kids
Do your students zone out during math? Are you tired of hearing groans when the math book comes out? If so, it’s time to mix things up and have some fun with some games. The best part? These 5 math games for kids require next to no prep!
From dice games to math bingo, I’ve got you covered with no-prep math games that reinforce the concepts you’ve been teaching! Read on and check out these low or no-prep math games, and don’t forget to grab the free math game at the end of the blog post. 🥳
1. Race to 100
Here’s a fun game for practicing single-digit addition and subtraction. Use regular dice to practice adding and subtracting numbers 1-6, or use gaming dice to include larger numbers.
Supplies:
- Hundreds chart
- 2 dice
- 2 mini-erasers
How to Play:
Each player picks one eraser. Start with both mini-erasers sitting at zero (just beside the hundreds chart).
Player 1 rolls both dice, adds the numbers shown, and moves forward that many spaces. Player 2 then does the same.
After the first turn, players can add the dice as they did on their first turn or subtract to determine the difference between the dice and move that many spaces.
Players must move the exact number of spaces of the sum or difference they roll. They can move forward or backward. But, they must move the specific number of spaces. As players near the end of the hundreds chart, they must move the exact number of spaces to land on 100. The first player to land on 100 wins.
Tip: You can also play a quicker version by always having players move forward and allowing players to win by either landing on 100 or passing 100.
2. Math War Games For Kids
Math War is a fast-paced and competitive card game. This partner game is perfect for practicing either addition or multiplication.
Supplies:
- Decks of cards
How to Play:
Pair students up and have them split the deck equally.
Both students simultaneously flip over a card. They then race to either add or multiply the cards. The first one to say the correct answer aloud takes both cards.
The students repeat the process by each flipping over a new card. Play continues until all the cards have been flipped. The player with the most cards at the end wins.
Tip: Math War can be played in other versions too. For example, players can flip over 2 or 3 cards each to practice multiple-digit addition or multiplication.
3. No-Prep Dice Math Games For Kids
Kids love dice math races. These games are a fun way to build math fact fluency. Plus, it’s simple to differentiate these games!
Supplies:
- 2 dice
- A game sheet
- Something to color with
How to Play:
Pick a version to play: addition, subtraction, or multiplication. Then, give each pair of students the appropriate game sheet.
To play, both students take a turn rolling two dice. They each add, subtract, or multiply the numbers they rolled. The player with the greatest answer colors in a spot on the game sheet.
Players each roll the dice again and repeat the process. The first player to color in their entire section on the game sheet wins.
Tip: Differentiation is simple. First, you can play this game for addition, subtraction, or multiplication. Second, you can increase the difficulty of any version of this game by swapping out standard dice for gaming dice with higher numbers. Third, you can scaffold the game by providing students with a number line or a hundreds chart.
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Thank you so much for this resource!! My students love these games, and I love that they are getting practice on their facts! The perfect combination for learning.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ – KMC
4. Math Facts Bingo
This classic game is a hit with elementary students because it’s fun and interactive. Plus, bingo math games for kids work in whole-group or small-group settings.
Supplies:
- Bingo boards
- Counters or other small items to cover spaces
- Calling cards
How to Play:
Students each receive a bingo card with a grid full of math facts. The teacher calls out a math problem, and the students try to find the answer on their cards. Players with the answer use a counter or other small item to cover the answer. The first student to mark off a line of correct answers – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – shouts “Bingo!” and wins the game.
Math Facts Bingo is a great way to review concepts and reinforce memorization of basic math facts. It’s a game that can be played over and over again with different sets of math problems and different skills, keeping things fresh and engaging.
Tip: Editable bingo games make it easy to create bingo games for the exact concepts your class needs to practice.
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Loved this, and so did the kids! Fabulous resource!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ – Michelle
5. What’s The Number?
This guessing game is a fun way to practice comparing numbers. It’s a no-prep game that can be played anywhere. It’s a perfect way to pass a few minutes whenever your class is waiting in the hall.
Supplies:
- Number Line (optional)
How To Play:
The teacher or designated student thinks of a number between 1 and 100 and then calls on students to guess the number one at a time. The teacher or designated student responds, “My number is higher/lower/equal to (the number guessed)” after each guess.
Play continues until the correct number is guessed.
Tip: This game can be modified to guess numbers 1-10 or 1-20 for younger students. Also, if you are playing multiple rounds, the student who guessed the correct number can lead the next round. Additionally, you can use a number hundreds chart and a dry-erase marker to mark off numbers that have been guessed to provide additional support or to avoid repeated guesses.
These 5 low to no-prep math games for kids are sure to be a hit with your elementary students. Incorporating games into your lessons is an easy way to make math more engaging. Plus, games help make the repetition and practice required to develop fluency less daunting. So, pick a game to try out with your class, or grab the free game below and get started today.
Want A Free Math Game?
Grab a free set of popcorn party math games for kids below. Enter your email, and I’ll send the printables straight to your inbox. (Tip – Your personal email is best since many school districts block outside attachments.)
Looking For More Classroom Game Ideas?
Hopefully, this post has given you ideas for some math games for kids. If you’re looking for even more classroom game ideas, check out these ideas.
- 3 Ways To Use Roll And Write Games In Your Classroom
- Learning With Games – The Best Games For Classrooms
- 5 Awesome Review Games Your Students Will Beg To Play Again
